WGBH sues phony ‘Roadshow’ promoters

Huckster promoters, beware: There’s only one “Roadshow” in town, and it belongs to WGBH.

The Boston-based public broadcasting giant recently found itself wrangling in court with a group of promoters who WGBH claims are infringing on its famed “Antiques Roadshow” trademark in an effort to lure people to events at which they are offered cash for old items.

The popular “Antiques Roadshow” TV program, which has been on the air for 14 years, features appraisers who visit locations across the country to value antiques that people bring from their homes.

In a lawsuit filed in U.S. District Court in Boston, ‘GBH complains that different businesses have been using tags such as “The Famous ‘Roadshow'” in advertising and promotional spots that urge people to sell their antiques and collectibles.

Referring to ads for an event held at a Quincy hotel, the lawsuit alleges that “the method of advertisement … is calculated to give legitimacy to Defendants’ services by … making it appear to be advertising an appraisal event sponsored by WGBH in connection with its Antiques Roadshow program. This method of advertisement has caused complaints by consumers as well as significant consumer confusion.”

The suit notes that a Pennsylvania TV station found that, at some of the non-WGBH events, items were being appraised and sold to the promoter for a fraction of their worth.

In November, a consent order was signed by U.S. District Court Judge Richard G. Stearns, WGBH and three defendants. The defendants promised not to make references to “roadshow,” “roadshow tour” or variations thereof in any future advertising or promotions.

But already one of the defendants has been accused of violating the agreement. A recent story in a Las Cruces, N.M., newspaper reported that when an event billed as the “Great Treasure Hunt” held court at a local Ramada Inn for a week, a sign advertised it as a “Collectibles Roadshow.” Hotel management removed the sign after being contacted by ‘GBH, and in-house counsel Eric A. Brass tells Lawyers Weekly that the station is reviewing whether it will seek damages from the promoter.

Asked if the New Mexico incident was the first time the consent decree had apparently been violated, Brass says: “We thought it was, but we’ve come across some other information that there have been other [instances].”